Electrical/Electronics

Embedded processor

The dual-core OMAP5910 embedded processor is a single device that offers real-time processing capabilities, low power consumption of the company's TMS320C55x™ DSP core, and the scalability and flexibility of an ARM™ microprocessor. The technology is intended for developers requiring enhanced programming capabilities in applications such as biometrics, digital media, location-based services, and telematics.

Analog design

The VORTEX family of field-programmable analog arrays reportedly cuts down on analog design implementation time and allow designers to use a drag-and-drop EDA tool to build complex analog functions and adjust functionality in automatically generated C-code. The family consists of configurable analog modules, AnadigmDesigner™ 2, AN220E04 FPAA Silicon, and a single-chip development system board.

Controllers

The Bulletin 900-TC temperature/heater controllers feature multi-function control, LED displays, and auto-tuning and self-tuning capability for control efficiency. The controllers are available in 5, 3, and 2A contacts and 12V dc fixed voltage outputs to drive solid-state relays. Applications include on/off electric heating and temperature control.

Safety switches

The heavy-duty rope pull emergency stop safety switches, activated by pulling a cable connected to the switch actuator, feature positive-opening safety contacts that are not dependent on mechanical springs to activate. The switches are suitable for conveyor lines or around the perimeter of large manufacturing machines.

Board

The STL-1033 combines a safety circuit and charge control in a single board, to be used in one-cell Li-ion battery packs. Reducing space and cost, it makes the battery pack a wall-mountable unit, offered with standard power supply. Applications include handheld barcode scanners and other size-constrained devices using one cell Li-ion batteries.

Connectors

Suited for avionics, medical instrumentation, consumer electronics, and audio/visual applications, the Quick Disconnect Push-Pull Precision Locking Connectors are made to be lightweight, non-conductive, and non-magnetic, with a secure locking mechanism. The connectors have a 2-to-27 pole count range and come in two categories: one that follows the Ingress Protection Rating Standards with a IP50 specification rating, and the other category that conforms to IP68 watertight rating.

Pulsed lasers

These eye safe 1,550 nm pulsed laser diodes operate in a temperature range of -35 to +65C, suitable for applications requiring eye safety, such as range finding and surveying. Available with a peak power range between 10 and 40W in four versions, the lasers come in a fiber pigtailed version, in addition to other package styles.

Sensors

The new line of WeldGuard Sensors, designed for automotive body and assembly, has a front face material that reportedly lasts 13 times longer than standard sensor face material sensors. It features an ac/dc ferrite core with WFI, dc U-prox® , and 2- and 3-wire dc extended range ferrite core. Available in stainless steel or teflon coated, and as embeddable or non-embeddable sensing, it comes in 8-, 12-, 18-, and 30-mm barrels and cube style CA40.

Image acquisition board

The NI PXI-1409 multichannel monochrome image acquisition board allows for user-configurable resolution with 8-bit or 10-bit acquisition, with accuracy from standard and nonstandard cameras. Combining asynchronous acquisition and integration with motion and data acquisition devices, the board may be used in the automotive, biotech, pharmaceutical, optoelectronics, and telecommunications industries.

POF module

Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) modules reportedly eliminate electromagnetic noise while offering high digital and audio signal quality, including jitter, pulse width distortion, and rise/fall time. The new module also features a new shutter mechanism designed to protect optic receivers and transmitters. The shutter mechanism further eliminates scratches and safety risks, in addition to reducing costs of cap assembly, disassembly, and replacement.

Transformer

The "O"-Core transformer is wound from a grain-oriented silicon steel strip that replaces the traditional toroidal core constant width strip. Featuring a circular cross-section, the transformers are available in standard sizes for power ratings up to 1,200 VA, 50-60 Hz operation, or customized. They are designed 15 percent smaller in weight and size than typical toroidal transformers.

Industrial workplaces are governed by OSHA rules, but this isn’t to say that rules are always followed. While injuries happen on production floors for a variety of reasons, of the top 10 OSHA rules that are most often ignored in industrial settings, two directly involve machine design: lockout/tagout procedures (LO/TO) and machine guarding.

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